Mortar For Bathtub Install

Whether you are installing a regular acrylic bathtub that doubles as a shower unit or a larger two person jacuzzi most bathtubs require a mortar base for the tub to rest on.

Mortar for bathtub install.

Trial fit the tub in the tub alcove. Use thin set mortar when installing cement backerboard. Ridge the mortar with the notched side of the trowel. Add water and.

With the smooth side of a 1 4 inch notched trowel spread enough mortar for one sheet. Then embed the tub into the mortar. If the tub is not level use a floor leveling mortar a form or material suggested by the tub manufacturer to level the floor under the tub. The mortar conforms to the contours of the tub and when it sets it prevents the tub from moving and supports the weight.

Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. The ratio is four shovels of sand to one shovel of cement and then you dry mix the components until they are completely blended. The tub is set and like with all other mortar installations filled with water for 72 hours to form the mortar to the tub. Pour the mortar on the subfloor so that it s a few inches from the drain opening.

Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents. Unless you re installing a cast iron bathtub you are going to need a mortar bed to support your tub base. It should not be runny but rather stand up on it s own. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud.

Screw the shower pan rim into the wall studs using 1 1 4 inch screws through the pre drilled holes. Unsupported fiberglass and acrylic tubs tend to flex under the weight of water plus bathers which can be bad news in terms of your drain staying connected and the tub base remaining solid and free of cracks. Thin set dries slowly allowing you to fix and readjust backerboard sheets as needed. Set the tub flat on the floor and position a level on top of the tub.

It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel. For extra waterproofing install a shower pan liner between layers of mortar before laying the shower pan on top. Thinset tile mortar. Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub.

The tub should be level in all directions.